Typhoon Neoguri turned into a super typhoon with Category 4 strength on Monday. According to reports Typhoon Neoguri is set on its path towards Japan and it could reportedly get even stronger as it neared islands. Typhoon Neoguri has been announced as the first super typhoon in the Philippines in 2014 and is already posing serious threat to Japanese lives and properties.
While the first Super Typhoon Neoguri in the Philippines, it is the third typhoon for 2014 in the Western Pacific season.
According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Super Typhoon Neoguri had winds of almost 150 mph on Sunday, coupled with gusts of up to 184 mph. Alabama.com reports that Super Typhoon Neoguri became super typhoon when its winds strengthened to a sustained 240 kph (150 mph). By early Monday local time (Sunday afternoon EDT), reports say it already had life-threatening consequences.
Super Typhoon Neoguri is now moving west-northwest over Phllippines waters and could strengthen more while moving closer to Japan.
According to AccuWeather.com, Super Typhoon Neoguri will take its path near Okinawa, Japan. Residents and visitors in the path of are advised to make use of the remaining time for essential preparations and evacuation orders.
Though reported to hit Japan, Super Typhoon Neoguri is not expected to hit Okinawa directly. However, the typhoon will reportedly be close enough to cause considerable damage to the place, which includes the U.S. Kadena Air Base.
Brig. Gen. James Hecker, the 18th Wing Commander reportedly posted a message on the base's Facebook page Sunday morning and said 'this is not just another typhoon.' He also reiterated for the base's personnel to take Super Typhoon Neoguri seriously.
He wrote on the page, 'I can't stress enough how dangerous this typhoon may be when it hits Okinawa. This is the most powerful typhoon forecast to hit the island in 15 years.'
According to Alabama.com, Super Typhoon Neoguri is also attracting attention even from space:
#Typhoon Neoguri nearing Japan. Takes up our entire view. Wow. pic.twitter.com/dQEa1m2i7b
— Reid Wiseman (@astro_reid) July 5, 2014
According to AccuWeather.com meteorologists, Typhoon Neoguri will turn into a super typhoon as soon as it crosses the gap between the Ryukyu Islands of Miyako Jima and Okinawa on Monday night (local time).
AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Evan Duffey said, 'Being right of the storm track, Okinawa will likely see the worst impact from the storm Monday night with rainfall rates of 50 mm (2 inches) or greater per hour at times, sustained winds as high as 225 kph (140 mph) with occasional gusts of 290 kph (180 mph).
On Tuesday, reports say that the life-threatening impacts of Super Typhoon Neoguri will taper off gradually across Okinawa, while the situation across the Ryukyu Islands to the north will worsen late Wednesday or Thursday.
Though no longer a super typhoon by Tuesday, Neoguri will still likely be powerful as it reaches Kyushu, therefore residents are advised to not let their guard down. Duffey added in his forecast of Super Typhoon Neoguri, 'Tuesday night, rain and wind from the storm will begin reaching Kyushu Island, especially the southern side. The strongest impacts, however, will hold off until Wednesday and Wednesday night for southern Japan. Strong winds, flooding rainfall and inundating storm surge will continue to bring very dangerous conditions to the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, including the cities of Kagoshima and Nagasaki.'
Meanwhile, in Hokkaido, weather forecasters are expecting flooding, even as Neoguri's center stays well into the south. On Friday, torrential rain is also expected.
Duffey said, 'By the time all is said and done, localized rainfall amounts in excess of 380 mm (15 inches) will slam parts of Japan with the most likely locations being the Ryukyu Islands, Kyushu, Shikoku, eastern Honshu and Hokkaido. Wind damage will be widespread, especially over the Ryukyu Islands and Kyushu. Port cities and low-lying areas will be inundated by storm surge.'
South Korea is also warned against Super Typhoon Neoguri. The country will reportedly narrowly miss the typhoon's brunt, but its rain bands are still expected to graze and soak the southern coast midweek. Duffey said, 'The island of Jeju in the Korea Strait will likely see the worst impacts for South Korea. With the storm just off to the south, the island will certainly see strong winds, along with very rough surf and heavy rain.'
Super Typhoon Neoguri meanwhile is expected to stay away from Tokyo, but the city will still be soaked by some rain later in the week, according to AccuWeather.com. Though tropical storms tend to develop in the Western Pacific throughout the year, May through October is usually the busiest period for typhoons.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
